Waiver Wire Wonders

Let’s get right into this week’s edition….

In the Field

OF Charlie Blackmon, Colorado

Since taking over for injured Dexter Fowler, Blackmon has truly been an eye opener.  He started out on fire, hitting at a .400+ clip while swiping nearly a base in every game.  There is talk that the Rockies might move him to the lead off spot.  Worth owning in all formats and riding as a starter while he’s hot.

SS Marco Scutaro, Boston

With regular shortstop Jed Lowrie on the disabled list, Scutaro will be the starter for the next couple of weeks.  He can be a stop gap solution, and additionally, if he can get a hot bat going, he’s got a chance to keep himself in the lineup even when Lowrie returns.  The Red Sox lineup is potent, so guys like Scutaro can be productive fantasy players. 

OF JD Drew, Boston

Speaking of Boston players, I was somewhat surprised to see him available in so many leagues, then I examined his numbers closely.  Not good so far.  Drew will get the occasional day off, but he is a mainstay in the potent Red Sox lineup.  I recommend a pickup and hold here as I don’t see him ending the season with the low numbers that he has produced so far this season. 

2B Dustin Ackley, Seattle

The second pick in the 2009 draft has been called up to the big club and has a regular spot in the Mariners lineup.  A hit in each of his first three games is an indication of what is to come.  High expectations for the rookie to go along with regular playing time, worth owning in all formats. 

On the Bump

Andrew Miller, Boston

I promise that this week isn’t a review of all Red Sox players…if Miller isn’t already on your fantasy radar, then he should be.  The hard throwing lefthander has always struggled to find the plate on a consistent basis, but he sure found it in his first start for Boston, dominating for five innings.  He faded in the sixth and did not figure in the decision, but the potential is there for him to catch lightning in a bottle.  Boston is going to win a lot of games, and their starting rotation is extremely fluid so Miller has a short term regular spot.  Worth owning in all formats to see how his two to three game major league tryout goes. 

Jeff Karstens, Pittsburgh

As a starter for the Pirates, Karstens isn’t going to get a lot of wins, and as a result, isn’t going to get a lot of press.  But the numbers don’t lie, he’s a good pitcher.  In his last five outings, he’s only allowed 4 earned runs while striking out 15 in 23+ innings.  He’s got a tough start coming up against the Red Sox, which could be a dent in his recent success.  Regardless, he’s worth owning in all formats, grab him before his ownership numbers rise. 

Out in the Pen

For the first week this season, not a lot of changes going on in major league bullpens.  Nothing worthy of a mention, we’ll keep looking to see if someone emerges for next week’s article.